Irresistible Smash Burger Recipe with Easy Secret Sauce Recipe
This Irresistible Smash Burger recipe features juicy 80/20 ground beef patties smashed to crispy perfection on a hot grill or skillet. Topped with melty American cheese and served on soft brioche buns with a flavorful secret sauce made from mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and pickle juice, this classic American burger is elevated with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions for a mouthwatering meal perfect for any burger lover.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Burger
- 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 brioche buns
- Toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, onions
Secret Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp pickle juice
Instructions
- Preheat the grill or skillet: Heat your grill or a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it is hot enough to sear the burgers, about 5 minutes.
- Make the secret sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and pickle juice until well combined. Set aside.
- Prepare the beef balls: Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and gently form each into a loose ball without compacting too tightly. Season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
- Smash the patties: Place each beef ball on the hot grill or skillet. Using a sturdy spatula or a burger press, firmly smash down each ball to form thin patties. Cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes until crispy edges develop.
- Flip and add cheese: Carefully flip each patty and immediately place a slice of American cheese on top. Cook for an additional minute, until the cheese is melted and the patty is cooked through.
- Assemble the burgers: Lightly toast the brioche buns if desired. Spread a generous amount of secret sauce on the top and bottom buns. Layer the bottom bun with lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, and onions, then add the cheesy burger patty. Top with the other bun and serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, use 80/20 ground beef for optimal juiciness and flavor.
- Press the patties firmly but avoid overhandling the meat to keep them tender.
- Customize toppings to your preference—add bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- If you don’t have a grill, a heavy cast iron skillet works equally well for smashing the burgers.
- Secret sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: smash burger, classic burger, American cheese burger, secret sauce, brioche buns, grilled burgers, easy burger recipe, homemade burger sauce
